b'FUTURE EDUCATORS GATHERINGthe potential to support those whosense of responsibility andeducation shaped by Indigenous have not yet come into this world.belonging. This hopefully supportsknowledge, taught by Indigenous The Gathering is grounded in thistheir remaining time as studentsteachers, and grounded in philosophy, preparing Indigenousand provides something to beIndigenous values.educators to not only teachpassed on to Indigenous learners curriculum, but to model hope,they will teach in the future. At Indspire, we are investing in that resilience and cultural pride.vision. And we are investing in the As Indspire continues to grow thispeople who will carry it forward. Over the past three years, overinitiative, feedback from partici- The future of Indigenous education 300 Indigenous students havepants has helped us in shaping its taken part in this special event,evolution: more opportunities foris not on the horizon, it is here. It is engaging in sessions that highlighthands-on learning, deeper culturalbeing built by the incredible young the unique realities of teaching insupport, and space for meaningfulpeople who join us each year at the remote, Northern and Indigenouspeer-to-peer connection. TheseFuture Educators Gathering and communities. Facilitators and guestimprovements reflect a sharedwith the help of partners like the speakers share stories of the chal- commitment to co-creating theRideau Hall Foundation. lenges and rewards that come withfuture of Indigenous education walking between worlds, givingwith those who will lead it. AndBy centring Indigenous voices, attendees real frameworks for navi- were excited to see how thisvalues and visions, particularly gating Western education systemsyears event benefits from thisthose of our young people, the while holding strong to Indigenousco-creation.Future Educators Gathering is ways of knowing. cultivating a generation of teachers Participants describe the experi- Senator Murray Sinclair famouslywho understand that education is ence as transformational, withsaid, Education got us into thisnot neutral. It is a powerful tool many noting that it rekindled theirmess, and education will get usthat can either replicate harm or motivation to teach, deepenedout. I believe that. But it wont their confidence, and equippedbe just any education. It will beinspire healing.them with practical tools they can bring to their future classrooms. From trauma-informed pedagogy to cultural revitalization and land-based learning, the workshops offer a holistic view of education that affirms the importance of relation-ship, reflection and reciprocity.I feel more grounded in my identity and ready to bring my full self into my classroom, one participant shared. Another reflected, Being surrounded by Indigenous educators reminded me that Im not alone. Were building something together.CAPACITY BUILDINGEXPLORE EDUCATIONThe Gathering has become more PATHWAYS AT SFUthan a professional development workshop. It is an act of collec-tive capacity building, a space toDEFINE YOUR FUTURE AND CAREER. reimagine education not just as a career path, but as a calling toFind your place among our Undergraduate, serve community, uplift culture,Teacher Education or Graduate programs.and disrupt cycles of trauma. Participants leave not only withsfu.ca/educationnew skills, but with a renewed 2025indspiration13'